The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anti-graft

  • African Bar backs anti-graft war

    African Bar backs anti-graft war

    The African Bar Association (AFBA) has backed President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade, saying official sleaze has held the continent back.

    Interim AFBA president, Hannibal Uwaifo, said the president deserves commendation for his determination to rid Nigeria of impunity.

    He spoke at a forum organised to announce AFBA’s forthcoming conference to be held from May 15 to 18 in Kairaba Beach Resorts, Serrekunda, Banjul, Gambia, with the theme: “The Rule of Law: Sure pathway to Africa’s prosperity.”

    “President Buhari is doing the right thing because corruption is what has held Africa back,” Uwaifo said.

    He also disagreed with those who accuse the Buhari administration of human rights violation.

    According to him, those accused of corruption should not expect complete freedom, especially when they are suspected to have committed multiple crimes.

    Uwaifo urged lawyers in Africa to help develop the continent, adding that AFBA can act as a voice of lawyers on issues concerning the continent.

    He said lawyers who wish to join the association can register through www.afribar.org.

    Pioneer AFBA president, Mr Charles Idehen, said he hopes that all national bar associations can come under one umbrella, which he said the association can provide.

    “I urge you (lawyers) to take enough interest in the association,” he said.

  • Fed Govt hails U.S. for backing anti-graft war

    ‘Kerry’s comment encouraging’

    The Federal Government has hailed the United States’ (U.S.) for backing  President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption battle, describing it as an incentive to increase the pace.

    Information and Culture Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who said this yesterday, added that the support would encourage the push to achieve sustainable growth and development.

    He spoke in Lagos while reviewing the comments made by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

    The minister said the comment was timely, coming when some Nigerians dubbed the anti-corruption campaign of the Federal Government selective.

    His words: “The Federal Government is delighted that the anti-corruption war led by President Muhammadu Buhari has been acknowledged and applauded on a global stage.

    “It is particularly gratifying that Mr. Kerry made the link between corruption and terrorism. We agree that corruption is indeed a radicaliser because it destroys faith in legitimate authority. Let me remind you, gentlemen, that radicalisation is a key causative factor of terrorism.”

    Mohammed, who spoke during a media parley in Lagos, announced that he would kick-start a series of town hall meetings across the country to take the sensitisation campaign, which he launched in Abuja last Monday, to Nigerians.

    He added that he would include the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the relevant units of the Ministry of Information and Culture to reach every part of the country.

    Mohammed said the government was aware that “when you fight corruption, corruption fights back”.

    “We know that those who stole from us are powerful. They have newspapers, radio and television stations and an army of supporters to continuously deride the government’s war against corruption. But we are undaunted and will not relent until corruption is also decimated,’’ he said.

    Mohammed said corruption was responsible for the endemic poverty in the country today, noting that whereas Nigeria’s national budget increased from over N900 billion in 1999 to over N6 trillion in 2016, poverty also increased almost by the same proportion

    The minister added: “The reason is not far-fetched: Appropriated funds have mostly ended up in the pockets of a few looters.

    “When the money meant to build roads are looted, the end result is that the roads are not built and the people suffer and even die in avoidable road accidents. When the money meant to provide electricity is looted, we are perpetually sentenced to darkness. When the money meant for health care is pocketed by a few, we are unable to reduce maternal and infant mortality. These are the costs of corruption.’’

    He also made a comparative analysis of the number of beneficiaries from the arms deal scandal and the amount they collected from the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2015 on one hand, and the list of projects and amount across the nation in the zonal Intervention project of 2015 Appropriation Act.

    “Whereas N51.829 billion was appropriated for 1,278 projects in the Zonal Intervention Projects for 2015, 21 individuals and companies benefited from the Dasukigate to the tune of N54.659 billion as we know so far. The implication is that the amount received by 21 individuals and companies is more than the 2015 Zonal Intervention Project budget by N2.829 billion!

    “Furthermore, the value of what beneficiaries of Dasukigate contributed to development is zero, compared to how the lives of Nigerians would have been transformed, poverty reduced and livelihoods improved by the Zonal Intervention Projects which – as we have shown – would have cost N2.829 billion less than Dasukigate,” the minister said.

    He said contrary to what was being said in certain circles that the government was dwelling too much on the war against corruption to the detriment of other areas of governance, enough time could not be devoted to the fight.

  • Do anti-graft agencies get enough cash?

    Do anti-graft agencies get enough cash?

    The anti-graft agencies have N27 billion in this year’s budget to do their job. How much of this will they eventually get? Is this allocation adequate for them to perform the wonders that are expected of them? PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU asks.

    The war against corruption did not start today. Successive administrations initiated measures to combat the cankerworm, including establishing anti-graft agencies, but corruption still persists. Part of the problem, experts say, is that the agencies are not adequately funded. At present, there are at least nine of such agencies.

    The major ones are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    Observers believe that the reason for the seeming inefficiency of the agencies range from lack of funds for thorough research/investigation, as well as dearth of in-house Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) with deeper understanding of the law, who can stand at par with the team of highly celebrated senior lawyers usually hired by high profile suspects to explore the loopholes in the laws to either secure their freedom or prolong their cases.

    Although the EFCC claimed it has witnessed steady increase in convictions in the past five years, with 397 persons convicted between 2011 and 2014, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) said only seven high profile convictions have been secured since 2002. His statement  confirmed public opinion that only petty thieves had been served justice, while those looting the treasury and their cronies have remained ‘untouchable’.

    About three years ago, participants at a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Economic Crimes were shocked when EFCC Secretary Emmanuel Aremu revealed that the Commission was broke.

    Aremu, in his presentation at the hearing on the Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Agency (NFIA) Bill 2013, said the commission had less than N2million in its account. According to him, the financial challenge arose from the non-remittance of appropriated funds for the agency by the Federal Government over the months.

    “We have been complaining that no money has been released for us for operations. As at now, we don’t have up to N2million. If we can afford to pay salary this month, that is all. That is the position under which we operate presently,” he had said.

     A look at previous budgets

    The EFCC, for instance, had about N13.8 billion allocated to it in 2011. It suffered a decline to N10.6 billion in 2012, N9.8 billion in 2013, N10.2 billion in 2014 and N10.4 billion last year.

    The ICPC received N3.6 billion in 2011, N4 billion in 2012, N4.5billion in 2013, N4.6billion in 2014 and N4.9billion last year.

    For the CCB, it was N1.4billion in 2011, N3.9billion in 2012, N2.9billion in 2013, N2.8billion in 2014 and N2.3 billion last year. The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) was allocated N359.6million in 2011, N461.2 million in 2012, N517.1 million in 2013, N512.6 million in 2014 and N806.9 million last year.

    The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) got a N336.8 million budget last year; Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had N1billion and so did the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives. The Public Complaints Commission had N2.5 billion and the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation had N3.2 billion.

    In all, the nine agencies were appropriated about N26.7 billion last year, less than N1 billion above the budget of the EFCC alone under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in 2009.

    This was why the reported slash in the budget of the anti-graft agencies drew public scrutiny, with critics who accuse the government of President Buhari of insincerity in the fight against corruption.

    They accused the government of lacking the political will to fight corruption to a standstill.

    Those against the purported slash said this administration, like previous ones, was bent on ensuring that the agencies are not independent so that the officials can do its  bidding.

    Those against the decrease have suggested that funding of anti-graft agencies be placed on first-line charge, with the commissions preferably removed from the executive arm of government and placed under the Supreme Court.

    However, to most lawyers, the anti-sgraft agencies need to prioritise within available resources.

    The lawyers also emphasised the need for complete independence of the institutions, just as they canvassed special allocations for them from the consolidated revenue.

    They argued that even with a slashed budget, the EFCC can achieve maximum results should it concentrate efforts in training of its personnel and thorough investigation before arrest.

    The way out

    Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN) said a percentage of the recovered money should be remitted to the agencies to strengthen their financial base.

    She, however, noted that the agencies must adopt proper allocations of funds at their disposal, such that training of personnel and investigation will get priority.

    According to her, the problem may not necessarily be decreased funding but rather improper allocations.

    “Decreased funding may not be the cause of any shortcomings in EFCC, it may be improper allocation of resources.

    “Training of staff in forensics and investigation techniques should be the priority.

    “A remittance to the EFCC of a percentage of funds recovered for the government can also strengthen their financial base.

    “If the money is not adequately allocated to training however, there won’t be an improvement in their success rate,” she said.

    To Sylva Ogwemoh (SAN), the government must be prepared to deploy huge resources in the war against corruption, just as the agencies must do due diligence during investigations.

    He said institutions and processes must be built, noting that all leakages in the system must be plugged for greater results.

    “Corruption is a hydra-headed monster that must be confronted from all angles. If fighting the war against corruption is intended to produce some meaningful results, the deployment of huge resources in the war is inevitable.

    “The government in fighting the war must be prepared to deploy huge resources to match those of the accused and this must include building institutions and processes as well as plugging all the leakage. At the moment it is important that the process of investigation is strengthened to ensure a good case is initially made out against the accused before arrest is made and charges are filed in Court.

    “The procedure of arrest before investigation is commenced should be discouraged to save cost. If investigation is properly carried out and a good case is made out before accused persons are taken before the Court you are almost certain of a conviction which would act as deterrent to others in the business.

    “In the end if processes are well laid out, institutions strengthened and leakages plugged, we may be able to reduce corruption to a very minimal level and the cost of fighting the monster reduced to the barest minimum.

    For Norrison Quakers (SAN), the anti-graft agency should take full advantage of its establishing law to have and maintain its funds

    “A careful perusal and understanding of the financial provisions of the enabling law, particularly Section 35, it is apparent that the commission is empowered to have and maintain its funds for its operations, with the approval of the National Assembly in terms of money for its functions and operations.

    “In addition to the afore stated, it is also imperative to state that the Commission is also empowered to accept gifts of land, money or other property within Nigeria or outside with or without conditions from organisations or persons in so far as the donations or grants, gifts is in furtherance of the objectives and functions of the Commission.

    “It is, therefore, not out of place to state that the executive or the legislature cannot starve the Commission of operational funds. “The enabling law imposes a duty on the National Assembly to ensure that the operational funds of the commission are paid and credited into the Commission’s account.

    “The wordings of the enabling law are quite clear particularly in the light of the use of the word “shall” in Section 35(2), which reads thus: “There “SHALL” be paid and credited to the fund established pursuant to subsection (1) of the section, such monies as May in each year be approved by the National Assembly for the purpose of the Commission”.

    “I believe the drafters of this law intended the independence of the Commission from executive or legislative interference or influence that is principally the reason for this provision.

    “But in actual fact this is not the case. If a well-exposed and independent minded person is given the opportunity, the funds of the Commission can be raised from other sources as provided for in the enabling law.

    “The TSA is not applicable to the EFCC by virtue of the clear and unambiguous provisions of the enabling law, while all governments accounts have now been consolidated, the case of EFCC is simply to request for payouts, from the National Assembly, which National Assembly is obligated to perform and where it fails, the Commission is not helpless, it can source for funds from other sources for the effective, smooth and efficient execution of its duties and functions.

    “Many international donor agencies are prepared to lend a helping hand in our crusade or fight against terrorism, advance fee fraud or international scam, corruption, embezzlement or other economic or financial crimes.

    “I do not believe, as stated above, that the implementation of the TSA will impede the functions and performance of the Commission. The commission can still with the resources at its disposal contract very eminent and intellectually sound legal practitioners whether of the inner or outer bar.

    “The Commission must assert its financial independence, save for Sections 36 and 37 of the Act, which require the commission to keep and maintain financial accounting records for the purpose of audit and to submit annual financial report to the National Assembly.

    “This in my view is to maintain checks and balances and not a measure of control. The chairman of the commission must take advantage of the enabling law to raise funds from independent sources as statutorily empowered to do, so as to ensure the independence of the Commission in the performance of its duties and functions,” he said.

    Former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) chairman, Ikeja branch, Monday Ubani, said a charge should be made on the consolidated revenue for anti-graft agencies so that they are never starved of funds.

    According to Ubani, the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime by the administration is the right thing to do, and does not in anyway impede the activities of the anti-graft agencies.

    “If they want to hire the best lawyers for the prosecution of their cases, they should insert such head of expenditure in their budget and with the determination of the government to fight corruption. We are certain that adequate funds will be provided for them to tackle the menace of corruption.

    “The government is encouraged to do all within its capacity to tackle corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria and save the country from total liquidation by corrupt politicians and civil servants.

    “The agencies should never at any point lack money to prosecute their cases or carry out investigations. Aside their annual budget approved by the National Assembly, a certain amount of money should be set aside for them annually from the consolidated revenue so that they do not lack nor borrow.

    “It will also safe for them from falling into the trap of corrupt persons who might want to influence them,” he said.

    But Activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa believes little success will be achieved if anti-graft agencies are not properly funded.

    According to him, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) is the most prominent prosecutor for the EFCC, adding that he is being underpaid compared to the massive work he does for the agency across the country.

    “Go to EFCC and ask how much they are paying their external lawyers. The most prominent lawyer they are using right now is Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).

    “Ask how much they are paying him despite all the risks involved in his job. He is taking a great risk for this country. It is the same Jacobs that will prosecute all these strong men. And why is it so? Because the EFCC has no fund to hire other good lawyers,” Adegboruwa said.

    To further save costs, a lawyer, Mr Basil Udotai, called for a central prosecuting agency to enforce certain specialised laws, such as the Cyber Crime Act of 2015. He said a provision in the Act, which empowers nearly all agencies with prosecutorial powers to enforce the law, may make its implementation less effective.

    Udotai, who is the Managing Partner, Technology Advisors, a law firm which specialises in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) law practice, said a security agency, such as the police, could be equipped to set up a dedicated cybercrime and cyber security unit for effective enforcement because of the cost involved in having multiple units.

    According to him, a special entity can also be created by regulation, which the Act allows, to enforce the Act.

    “It will be legal if the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) adopts a regulation under the Act and creates a special dedicated unit to tackle cybercrime. Part of the reason that should be the way to go is because the resources to set up a cyber crime investigative environment are very high.

    “I don’t think the government thought about this properly, because where will you get the money with falling oil prices? It costs millions of dollars to set up cybercrime investigation systems and to replicate it across all law enforcement agencies. It doesn’t make any kind of sense,” he said.

     

  • I am not afraid of anti-graft agencies,

    I am not afraid of anti-graft agencies,

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI), Dr. Lawrence Ayodele, yesterday declared that he was not afraid of anti-corruption agencies as a result of petitions written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC).

    Ayodele said he is aware of petitions written against him to the EFCC and ICPC, insisting that he has nothing to fear as he operates a transparent administration.

    Ayodele identified opponents who lost out in the contest for the position with him  in 2012 as the brains behind petitions to the anti-graft agencies.

    While stressing that he is not afraid of being probed by anti-corruption agencies, Ayodele insisted that he has not committed any financial crime, saying:”I have always followed extant procurement law in the award of contracts and abide by due process in financial matters and employment and promotion of staff.”

    According to him, his opponents have been sponsoring unfounded rumors that he receives N2 billion annually to execute capital projects clarifying that his capital project funds has never exceeded N130 million with most of the projects executed through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) funds.

    A group, Ekiti Youths Against Corrupt Leaders had petitioned EFCC and ICPC accusing Ayodele of embezzlement of funds, inflation of contracts, illegal employment and stoppage of staff promotion, lack of due process in purchasing equipment, among others.

    Addressing a news conference in his office on Friday, Ayodele denied all the allegations levelled against him saying they are being peddled because his tenure would end in September and the sponsors are interested in his seat.

    He advised those jostling for his seat to wait until the expiration of his tenure rather than stoking the fire of crisis in the hospital which he said could affect its image in the state and in the country.

    He said: “ I have nothing to hide. I have ensured openness in procurement and financial transactions. In bidding for contracts, you don’t need to know anybody here; you will get it provided you are qualified.

    “I am aware of uncountable petitions written against me to EFCC and ICPC; these people want to destroy me and they don’t even mind if they don’t succeed  eventually. All their allegations are lies and blatant falsehood aimed at bringing me down.

  • Extend anti-graft probe to LG joint account – NULGE

    Extend anti-graft probe to LG joint account – NULGE

      Facebook  Google+  LinkedIn

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the anti-graft probe to the management of local government joint accounts in the 36 states of the federation.

    The call is contained in a statement issued by the President of the union, Mr. Ibrahim Khaleel in Kano on Tuesday.

    The statement quoted Khaleel as saying “the anti-corruption war cannot be complete without a searchlight on the management of the local government joint account system in the country.

    “In the area of corruption, a lot of breakthrough is being recorded as some culprits are being brought to book.

    “I, therefore, call on President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the fight on anti-graft to the management of states and local government joint accounts across the 36 states of the federation.’’

    The Union boss also commended the Federal Government “for the concerted efforts to tame insurgency in the country.’’

     

  • Getting judges to key into anti-graft war in 2016

    The courts were awash with money laundering cases in 2015. President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the  judiciary to do more in 2016 to help recover looted funds and punish impunity. What can the judiciary do to give lawbreakers their just deserts? ROBERT EGBE writes.

    In his New Year address last Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari presented his wish list to the judiciary. While promising to intensify the anti-graft war, he said: “I urge the courts to support our efforts and help in the recovery of stolen funds by speedily concluding trials and showing that impunity no longer has a place in our country.”

    All eyes will be on the judiciary to see how some high profile cases which began last year will be resolved.

     

    The arms scandal

    Fed Govt vs Dasuki and Co

    Heads have continued to roll in the $2.1billion arms scandal involving former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki and all eyes are now on the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice.

    He is facing three cases before the Federal High Court, Abuja and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja.

    Dasuki is being tried alone on a five-count charge of money laundering involving about N84.6million and illegal possession of firearms before the Federal High Court, Abuja. Trial in the case is expected to open in early January.

    The former NSA is also involved in the case of alleged diversion of over N20 billion involving former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda and former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, among others.

    In the third case, Dasuki is being tried with an ex-Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, former Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa, and others in a 19 count-charge bordering on criminal diversion of funds. Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf has since granted them bail and fixed January 21 for commencement of trial.

     

    Fed Govt vs Dokpesi

    Businessman, Raymond Dokpesi, was arraigned on December 9 at the Federal High Court, Abuja on a six-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Dokpsei and his company – Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited – were accused of accepting N2,120,000,000 from Dasuki, for the last presidential campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without going through due process. Dokpesi, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, has since been granted bail. Trial is expected to open in the case on February 17.

     

    The economic cases

    The fines imposed by regulators against businesses and the resultant suits have thrust an unusual role on the courts this year: an economic one.

    Although the cases are not criminal, their resolution by the courts will go a long way in discouraging the culture of impunity in business by both government and private companies.

    Such cases include those initiated by MTN Communications Nigeria Limited against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Guinness Nigeria Plc against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) vs Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc saga is another case in point.

    If these decisions go against the companies, the fines would substantially boost the government’s revenue by N1.06 trillion as well as launder its anti-impunity credentials.

     

    MTN vs NCC

    On October 26, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) fined MTN Communications Nigeria Limited N1.04trillion ($5.24billion) for its alleged failure to register about 5.2 million subscribers within a given deadline.

    In two separate suits filed before the Federal High court, Abuja by an Abuja-based lawyer, Abubakar Sani, and another by MTN in Lagos, a declaration is being sought to declare the fine unlawful.

     

    Guinness vs NAFDAC

    A N1billion fine imposed by NAFDAC on Guinness “as administrative charges for various clandestine violations of NAFDAC rules, regulations and enactments over a long period of time,” led to a court case on December 23.

    The company asked the court to restrain NAFDAC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) from enforcing the sanction pending the determination of the suit which has been adjourned till February 8. The parties have, however, begun settlement talks.

     

    Stanbic IBTC vs FRC

    The N1billion fine and other sanctions imposed on Stanbic IBTC by the FRC over the financial institution’s audited accounts for 2013 and 2014 has been challenged at the Court of Appeal after the bank lost at the Federal High Court.

     

    What the judiciary can do

    However, experts have suggested that to help the government meet its goal of reducing corruption and curbing impunity, judges must not only merely preside over cases, they must also find ways to up their game.

    One useful tool judges can rely on is the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015

    During a workshop organised last month by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption (PAAC), speakers, including Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), represented by PACC chairman Prof Itse Sagay (SAN); and Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) identified the benefits of the ACJA.

    A communiqué issued at end of the workshop focused on sections 306 and 396 of the ACJA and suggested that for cases to be adjudicated with the urgency required, the Act must be given purposive interpretation and application by the courts.

    “The courts are enjoined to give literal interpretation and full effect to sections 306 and 396 of the Act so to avoid unnecessary and frivolous interlocutory applications which are meant to delay trials, especially of corruption cases.

    “The courts should adopt the wasted costs mechanism to deter counsel from seeking frivolous adjournments.”

    Appellate courts should also not entertain interlocutory appeals emanating from corruption cases in defiance of provisions of the ACJA.

    It was suggested that the ACJA should be further amended to provide for sanctions for non-compliance with its provisions.

    Participants also urged the judiciary to develop a strong national judicial policy which should prohibit the abuse of interlocutory applications and injunctions.

    “The Federal Government should endeavour to pay the salaries of judges regularly and make provisions for their security and retirement benefits.

    “States of the Federation which have not already done so should domesticate the ACJ Act using the Federal Act as a template.

    However, the government also has a role to play.

    The communiqué, signed by CSLS President Prof Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), added: “The Federal Government should make adequate budgetary allocations to enhance the implementation of the innovative provisions of the ACJA, including payment of witness expenses, training and motivation of prosecutors, investigators and judges in the light of the huge workload occasioned by the Act.”

     

  • ‘Judicial reform key to anti-graft war’s success’

    ‘Judicial reform key to anti-graft war’s success’

    As the year runs to an end, the founder of Bible Believing Mission Incorporation, Pastor Kingsley Innocent, is lamenting the state of the nation. He is calling for collective efforts to fight corruption and insurgency. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, the man of God  speaks on  the December deadline to crush the Boko Haram insurgency and more.

    The situation in the country is quite unfortunate. It is so sad that the Nigerian economy is today gripped by a crisis of declining income and low savings, corruption and terrorism, especially Boko Haram insurgency, mass unemployment, retrenchment of workers, huge debt burden, etc.

    Kidnappings, corruption, armed robberies, assassinations, child and drug trafficking, stealing, internet scams are evidences that the country truly needs God’s intevention and true change.

     

    War against corruption

    Even though the Bible says everyone is born corrupt, (Romans 3:23), corruption in Nigeria has become a social problem, involving not only those in government, but people in public and private positions, traditional rulers, parents, the military, etc. It is the bed-rock of dishonesty and bad behaviour, for personal gains, abuse or misuse of power or position of trust. It is sad that it has eaten into the fabric of our country. To fight it, it would require a collective effort.

    In most times, it takes the form of organised crime, involving more than one party, and can even be said to be contagious. Often times, most perpetrators do not fear the consequences, as a result of immunity clauses attached to their positions in government. These manifest more in the award of contracts, political intrigues, diversions, dispensation of justice, staff promotion, misuse of public offices, positions and privileges, embezzlement of public funds, etc.

    Corruption in Nigeria is systematic. So, it requires systematic approach as well, focusing on the pulse of the nation at this time. The judicial reform is key to its success. The anti-corruption fight is not expected to be won in a day.

    Enforcement of the anti-corruption law must be to the fullest, if prioritising of the “fight” must make the impact. The process must be sustained in all fairness and sincerity. Recovering all the looted funds must be practical, as a signal to those presently in political offices. Crude oil stealing is demonic and must be avoided.

    Strategies must be in good place, but not suggesting a witch-hunt in tackling the issue, but the one that will destroy corruption. Wellmeaning citizens will support the fight, but the corrupt ones will oppose it with bottle-necks.

    With the incorruptible credentials of the President and his determination to wipe out corruption and with the interest of the common man in focus, it is believed the fight will be won, all things being equal.

    Finally, I am grateful to God for keeping Nigeria together as an entity till this day. We lean not on our own understanding or powers, but of God’s because when the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice. We all must prayerfully encourage and support the President and his cabinet, appreciating the fact that not all politicians are corrupt. The corrupt ones know that they are corrupt.

     

    The December deadline to end Boko Haram

    The deadline to rout insurgency could  have been feasible if the war were to be conventional. Unfortunately, Boko Haram is fighting a gorilla war, particularly in the North-East. The service chiefs told Buhari that their efforts to end terrorism were being threatened by weather and logistics attest to this comment. They are clearly telling the President about their challenges.

    Invariably, there is no guarantee that the December deadline would be met. However, the military may achieve their task if, as we hear, American comes in fully to assist in terms of logistics and personnel. Extension of time appears to be the best option.

    Where do you hope to see Nigeria in the next four years?

    This question appears too wide to discuss in such a short space of time. There are many sectors in the subject that require indept analysis and discussion. However, an attempt would be made to touch on some vital sectors of our national life. They include: politics, economy, education, power and energy, agriculture, foreign affairs, industrialization, infrastructure, healthcare, etc.

    Buhari came in on the mantra of Change, but I don’t think that change is going to occur overnight. I also believe things will get better. Politics in Nigeria is getting more matured with the introduction by former President Goodluck Jonathan and Attahiru Jega’s Card Reader. By the next election, I want to see the perfection of the electoral process for efficient polls and a more credible result.

    I also hope to see corruption controlled or brought to the barest minimum. So, funds would be deployed to pay workers, tackle insecurity and insurgence, education and general welfare of the people. Nigeria’s economy is in a poor state. This is a challenge to the present government, meaning the nation has expressed optimism that the future is bright; because of Buhari. We also believe all hands must be on deck to see it happen. Nigeria lacks infrastructure, I hope to see modern road networks, modern railway system-surface and underground trains, why not? I want to see hospitals that are well-equipped, modern education facilities, uninterrupted power supply, law and order and above peace. I want to see a system that I can be proud of, that can match other modern systems in the world. It is possible if we have the will and fear of God to employ the resources He has given to us to develop our own country and not put it into individual pockets.

     

    Politics of the nation

    When Nigerians voted for him, they were fed up with the endemic nature of corruption and insecurity. There is a brighter future ahead of us now. Since the President assumed office, he promised to change the trend with zeal and commitment to plug all avenues of leakages, redefining priorities, slashing cost of governance, and to invest more on infrastructure. He has started to fulfill that promise through the anti-corruption fight, and restrategising on insecurity.

     

     

     

     

    I believe that his military background, tough stance and disciplinary credentials are the  driving tools needed to face insurgency, the perennial clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers, and other national challenges. The President’s rapport with ECOWAS, the G7 leaders in Germany, and the international community is going to be quite helpful.

    For me, Buhari has so far shown that the era of “sacred cows” are over. It is hopeful the trend will be maintained across board. The President must keep close eyes on his cabinet to keep off sycophants as was the case in the past government.

    Having promised the nation, and his moves against corruption so far, it is believed with God and prayers, he will deliver. There is, however, the need for patience, understanding and support from the citizens.

    Our President is expected to have public spirit, which is the willingness to do things for the good of the people and society, regardless of party affiliation. This is a focus of the policy-making in any good government. As a popular opinion says, leadership is not about titles, positions, etc, but about one’s ability to cause a change and influence lives positively.

     

    Ministerial appointment

    Buhari has insisted that honesty, transparency, commitment, integrity, patriotism and experience are factors that informed his choices of ministers. He is at liberty to appoint whom he believes he can work with, provided they meet the expectations of Nigerians. What is important is for them to discharge their responsibilities for the benefit of the people. Integrity must be of a great consideration in choosing the ministers. The nominees must be honest, reliable and people who are not selfish, but ready for accountability to God and man. Therefore, with good mechanisms from federal supervision, close monitoring and accountability on the part of the ministers, expectedly, there will be hope of good performance.

     

    Journey so far

    My journey so far in the course of the ministry had been quite interesting, because it is fully and divinely backed by the Almighty God of Talk-Na-Do. All I do is as the Holy Spirit directs and as I do His work, He confirms them at all times.

    I remain a chosen servant of The Most High God, called and anointed to carry the prophetic mandate of God of Talk-Na-Do. “God of Talk-Na-Do” simply means, that God that says a thing and it comes to pass, as in Genesis chapter 1 verse 3. “And God said, let there be light, and there was light.”

    As the nation faces national challenges, we too, face religious challenges. But in all these, I have remained steadfastly and strongly committed to doing the work of God, which I am mandated by Him to do, by restoring tampered human destinies, and redirecting them back to Christ. The feat and impact had been quite tremendous, which the increasing population and network of branches attest to.

    So, we are on a divine journey to win more souls, as directed by God.

     

     

  • Anti-graft war won’t solve problems, say Mimiko, others

    Anti-graft war won’t solve problems, say Mimiko, others

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and some Yoruba leaders have said President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war would not resolve Nigeria’s challenges, until the federation is restructured.

    They called for the  implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference, which they said was the only instrument that can bring peace and progress to the nation.

    Mimiko and the leaders spoke at the second edition of the Yoruba Summit in Akure, the Ondo State capital ,with the theme “Economic Downturn and Unemployment in Yorubaland”.

    Yoruba leaders in attendance included Afenifere leader Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi (rtd), Amb Yemi Farohunbi, Otunba Gani Adams and Sehinde Arogbofa.

    Others were Gen. Raji Rasaki (Rtd), Sir Olanihun Ajayi, Yinka Odumakin, representative of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, Kunle Olajide and Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.

    The leaders, after the summit, came up with a communique signed by Gbonigi, Fasoranti, Adams and Adebayo.

    In the communique, the elders said there was need to restructure the federation system.

    They noted that the unrest in some parts of the country, particularly the ongoing agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for a republic of Biafra, could only be resolved, if the Confab report is implemented.

    Saying they stand for the nation’s unity, the elders insisted that the Federal Government must look into the causes of separatist feelings and initiate constitutional reforms to give a sense of belonging to all constituent units.

    The communique reads: “We should not watch till the situation gets out of hand nor take precipitate actions.

    “The Confab recommendations offer a good template for such engagement of the nationality question.

    “To this end, this summit is irrevocably committed to pushing for the resolution of the lingering national question via the restructuring of our federation, devolution of the corresponding review of the revenue allocation in favour of the federating units and centralisation of the security network.”

    Earlier in his address, Mimiko said: “Recent events have shown us that those centrifugal forces that had continually threatened our national unity and cohesion are not fatigued.

    “Multiculturalism, which the rest of the world has turned to strength, remains a major challenge to Nigeria. Diversity has become a bitter pill, which the country is constantly forced to swallow when the rest of the world has used same as a launch pad into greatness.

    “Today, almost everything keeps separating us. Language has divided us, religion has torn us apart and culture has alienated us. Yet, these could be sources of strength and cohesion.

    “Unfortunately, we may remain in this miasma for as long as we deny the need for us to redesign the federation.

    “A great piece of document remains on the table if the  Federal Government will find the courage to implement it. I have in mind here the Report of the 2014 National Conference.

    “That Conference, Nigerians had an uncommon opportunity to discuss their collective future.”

     

  • Anti-graft war targets only PDP members, says Fayose

    Anti-graft war targets only PDP members, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration does not respect the rule of law.

    Fayose, who spoke yesterday at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, Kogi State, at the grand finale of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally, said the Buhari administration did not possess human rights credentials and was only chasing PDP members on corruption allegation.

    He asked where was President Buhari when the APC cleared ex-Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu to contest the governorship election when he was facing corruption charges?

    Fayose said: “The APC administration is dilly-dallying on the challenges confronting the nation. The Boko Haram insurgency and the economic situation have worsened in the last six months of the Buhari government.

    “This administration has only achieved a lot in the area of chasing shadows and making the nation bad for the people.”

     

    Former PDP National Chairman Alhaji Ahmadu Ali said the huge crowd was a testimony that PDP was still strong in the state.

    Governor Idris Wada, listing his achievements, said the party in the last 12 years had touched people’s lives through the provision of basic infrastructure.

    On the bailout loan, he said APC was playing politics with it, adding that it was not considering the workers, who are supposed to benefit from the fund.

     

  • Ex-ICAN boss to accountants: Join anti-graft crusade

    The immediate past President of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Ajegbu has impressed on members of the Institute, the need to be in the vanguard of the anti-corruption crusade.

    08, Ajegbu  said there are provisions in the Act setting up Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which  empowers professional accountants in the fight against graft.

    According to him, the EFCC and ICPC enabling acts stipulate that the accountants should be included in the forensic analyses of financial crimes which would give lot of credibility to the cases of financial fraud.

    He lamented that many money laundering and financial crime cases suffer setback in court because there are no proper forensic investigation done on the cases thus they die prematurely.

    “Professional accountants are in the best position to assist the anti-corruption agencies in doing forensic investigation because of their professional know-how and firm principles on integrity, firmness an transparency,” he said.

    Expatiating, he said: “As far as I know the EFCC as it is today, do not have the competence in dealing with the complex financial issues and I think accountants are in a better position to help.”

    In his presentation, the  Pwc Partner/Head of Tax and Corporate Advisory, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele charged accountants across the country to take advantage of  opportunities in the single treasury account policy of the federal government.

    Oyedele, who lauded the federal government  for introducing the policy, however noted that there was need for proper planning and consultation with stakeholders on the possible impact on the economy.

    Earlier, in his welcome address,  Joseph Aborowa, the Coordinator of the group charged fellow accountants to be professional.